When it comes to timeless children’s style, few brands capture the magic of childhood quite like La Coqueta. Founded by Celia Muñoz, the beloved London label is known for its beautifully crafted pieces inspired by Spanish heritage and traditional design. The childrenswear brand has teamed up with Nicky Hilton on a second collaboration that blends nostalgia, family memories and classic silhouettes. From powder-blue dresses inspired by Hilton’s childhood to a bespoke toile de Jouy woven with personal moments from her life, the collection is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship and the enduring joy of dressing children as children. We spoke to Celia and Nicky about the inspiration behind the collection and the stories stitched into every piece.
Nicky, what first drew you to La Coqueta, and why did this collaboration with Celia Muñoz feel like the right fit for you and your family?
Nicky: It all started ten years ago when I came across La Coqueta as a customer – I don’t know where the time has gone – and I have loved the brand ever since. The very first thing I bought was a knitted two-piece set with a matching bonnet and it’s still one of those signature pieces I always come back to, as a gift for friends and family. I have always loved dressing my children in Celia’s designs; from everyday playdates and birthday parties to special occasions. My two girls have fully embraced it too which is such fun – they love adding the finishing touches with bows and beautiful shoes. What began as an admiration for timeless children’s clothing soon grew into a friendship with Celia, and I have loved the design process from start to finish.
Celia, from a design perspective, where did you draw inspiration for this collection, and how did you ensure it stayed true to La Coqueta’s heritage while feeling fresh?
Celia: From the moment we met, I felt Nicky’s deep appreciation for legacy, family, and enduring style. This collection is a true reflection of her – inspired by her warmth as a mother, her innate sense of style, her personality, her childhood as well as the worlds of her own children. The collection is filled with thoughtful nods to Nicky. From her love of bows, which feature throughout (she truly does adore a bow), to embroidered kitty motifs on scalloped collars. Her affection for broderie anglaise is woven in alongside her signature powder blue and, of course, Nicky’s bespoke toile de Jouy. The collection is a celebration of family, timeless design, and the shared values of craftsmanship that unite Nicky, La Coqueta and me.
Were there any childhood memories or family traditions that influenced the look and feel of the pieces?
Nicky: I have always believed in dressing children as children, just as I was dressed growing up. This collection is lovingly inspired by my own childhood and the beautiful pieces my mother chose for Paris and me… perhaps just a touch poofier! The Milou dress, in particular, was inspired by one of my favourite photographs of my sister and me wearing matching powder blue dress with a sugary pink sash. So 90’s! We also designed a personal toile du jouy which features some of my fondest childhood memories – The Waldorf Towers in New York City, of course, had to be included. My sister and I were known as the Eloises, and we’d spend afternoons running around the hotel, sneaking peeks into the most fabulous parties in the ballroom. Those memories are just so fun and nostalgic. We also included a scene of my sister and me at the beach – a nod to our family holidays in Maui, a place that will always be so special to me. Childhood is such a fleeting moment making it all the more special to celebrate – the collection bridges past and present – tradition and individuality – so perfectly.
Was there a particular moment in the design process that made you think, yes, this really captures what we wanted to create?
Celia: From those very first ideas and conversations, I knew we were going to create something truly special. I loved hearing Nicky’s nostalgic childhood memories… they’re exactly the kind of moments we cherish and celebrate at La Coqueta. From the initial sketches to the toiles and finally seeing each piece come to life in our London studio, the collection came together beautifully and organically.
Nicky: This collaboration is a celebration of what unites us: heritage, family, and timeless beauty. From Spain to America, from Celia’s story to mine, we believe clothing should hold memory, meaning, and the warmth of family.
Nicky, What do you personally look for when choosing clothes for your children and how does this collection reflect that?
Nicky: The way I dress my children has always felt naturally aligned with La Coqueta’s signature style and design aesthetic. I’m drawn to traditional silhouettes with a contemporary twist – beautifully made pieces that stand the test of time, yet are comfortable enough for them to run around and play in.
Do you have a favourite piece from the collection that you can imagine becoming a family keepsake?
Celia: I am so proud of this collection! I especially love the toile de jouy and the blue floral print on the Lily-Grace baby set and dress.
Nicky: Well, much like Celia, I have always loved a toile … I love what it represents, and the stories it tells.
Celia: Working on this toile was such a fun process. From choosing the colours and the fabric, to creating the story behind it, it’s really those little details that make it so special.
Nicky: It really tells the story of my life so far. The Waldorf Towers in New York City as mentioned earlier, features and anyone who knows me knows how much I adore my pets, so they absolutely had to make an appearance too. Here we have Mac, Cheese & Minnie. I also just love the illustrations of me and my husband, and all the symbolism woven into them -the two white doves, our initials inside little love hearts. It was so important to us that every small detail was included. From those subtle touches to the bigger moments, like where we first met at a wedding in Italy – hence the Colosseum – through to our own wedding at Kensington Palace, it all feels beautifully personal. This Easter, I will be dressing the girls in the Lily-Grace dresses – matching with me -paired with silver T-bar shoes and, of course, finished with a bow. Chasen will look picture-perfect in the Nicholai shirt with the Conrad shorts; powder blue feels especially perfect for Easter.
Campaign shot on location at The Pierre, New York City
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